4th Week of Pascha
On the Paralytic
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
"Behold, you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you." Sin affects not only the soul but also the body. In some cases, this is very obvious; in others, though not as clear, the truth remains that all bodily illnesses are always from sins and for the sake of sins. Sin is committed in the soul and directly makes it sick; but since the life of the body comes from the soul, an unhealthy life certainly comes from a sick soul. The mere fact that sin brings darkness and sorrow must adversely affect the blood, which is the foundation of bodily health. But when you remember that it separates from God - the Source of life, and puts a person at odds with all the laws acting both within himself and in nature, one must still wonder how a sinner remains alive after sin. This is God's mercy, awaiting repentance and conversion. Consequently, before any other matter, one must hasten to cleanse oneself of sins and be reconciled with God in one's conscience. This will pave the way for the beneficial action of medicines. It is said that there was a remarkable doctor who would not begin treatment until the patient confessed and received Holy Communion; and the more difficult the illness, the more insistently he demanded this.
St. Theophan the Recluse
Dear Brothers and Sisters!
In the middle of the Paschal journey — from the Bright Resurrection of Christ to the great feast of Pentecost — the Holy Church grants us a special day: the Mid-Pentecost, which is celebrated on Wednesday of the 4th week after Pascha. This year, the feast falls on May 14th. This is not just a mark on the calendar. It is a spiritual pause so that we can breathe more deeply the Paschal joy, listen to the words of Christ, and remember with faith where this path leads us — to the descent of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church of Christ.
On this day, we hear in the Gospel reading how the Lord, standing in the temple, calls out to everyone: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink" (John 7:37). These words are a call of love addressed to every heart. To those who are tired, who seek, who need comfort, meaning, peace, the living God. Christ promises: whoever believes will receive living water — the grace of the Holy Spirit, which strengthens, enlivens, and sanctifies the soul.
That is why on this day, the blessing of water is performed. This is not just an ancient tradition — it is a living encounter with Christ, Who even today offers each of us "living water." Holy water is a sacred object through which the Lord grants comfort, strength, and sanctification to our entire lives. It becomes a quiet but tangible testimony that God hears us, cares for us, and responds to the thirst of our hearts.
We will be glad to pray with you on this day.
We remind you that the full schedule of services can be found on our website https://resurrectionrocathedral.org/schedule and in the newsletter from the Starosta.
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